AGP Executive Report

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Two senior counsels, Lamin Mboge and Omar F M’Bai, have pledged support for newly appointed Chief Justice Edrissa MO Faal, arguing the appointment followed constitutional process and that the legal profession’s views differ on interpretation. Transport & Health Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says government will introduce a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link after children raised concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients. Migration Governance: The EU, IOM and The Gambia launched a four-day training to strengthen migration monitoring and reporting systems under the Global Compact, including gender-responsive planning. Education Results: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates earning credits in at least five subjects including English and Maths. Politics & Elections: PDOIS says opposition must unite behind a single candidate to defeat President Barrow, warning that without unity the ruling side could secure a third term. Local Development: Kanifing Municipal Council opened a circular agriculture facility to boost food security, cut post-harvest losses, and create jobs for women through composting, cold storage and a local market. Public Services & Climate Resilience: The World Bank invested US$45m to reduce flooding, handing waste-collection equipment to KMC and Brikama Area Council for Kotu Stream communities.

Ferry Upgrade for Banjul–Barra: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster, more reliable ferry will soon improve transport between Banjul and Barra, after children raised concerns that delays can worsen patients’ conditions. Migration Monitoring Boost: The EU, with IOM and the Gambia, launched a four-day training to strengthen national systems for monitoring and reporting migration governance under the Global Compact. WAEC Results: WAEC’s Banjul office released 2026 WASSCE results, with 1,556 candidates earning credits in at least five subjects including English and Maths. Public Audit Skills: The Gambia joined a regional push for auditors to use AI, data science and cybersecurity tools to better detect fraud and misuse of public funds. Judiciary Support: Senior counsels Lamin Mboge and Omar F M’Bai pledged backing for Chief Justice Edrissa MO Faal after his appointment, arguing the process was constitutional. Food Security Jobs: Kanifing Municipal Council opened a circular agriculture facility linking production, composting and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses and create jobs for women. Education Pressure: The Gambia Teachers Union demands a review of mass transfers and demotions tied to Buduck School, saying affected staff should not be punished for alleged political interference. Tourism Funding Call: Hotels Association urges higher budget allocation for tourism, culture and creative arts, warning the sector was left out of the mid-year budget review. WASSCE Performance: WAEC said female candidates led results, and about 994 records were still incomplete and being processed.

Aviation Safety & Regional Cooperation: BAGAIA’s Board met in Abuja with Nigeria’s aviation authorities to strengthen governance, staffing and funding for aircraft accident and incident investigations across the region. Tech & Skills Development: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in technology development, TVET, research, innovation and skills commercialisation after a ministerial visit to NASENI facilities. Education Financing Study Tour: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund to guide the rollout of its own THET Fund, with officials seeking support in research and capacity development. Local Food Security Push: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a circular agriculture facility linking production, composting and cold storage to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs for women. Flood Resilience Funding: The World Bank approved US$45m for climate resilience, handing over waste-collection equipment to KMC and Brikama Area Council for flood-prone Kotu Stream communities. Governance & Elections Support: VP Mohammed B.S. Jallow met the EU Ambassador to discuss EU interventions and election support ahead of the presidential vote. Nationwide Development Tour: President Adama Barrow began a week-long tour to launch and inaugurate projects across infrastructure, health and agriculture. Teachers’ Union Protest: The Gambia Teachers Union demanded a review of mass transfers and a head teacher demotion at Buduck School after a graduation guest-speaker dispute. Judiciary Debate: The Gambia Law Society backed Chief Justice Idrissa MO Faal’s appointment, arguing constitutional qualification differs from the Bar’s court challenge. Party Communications: GDC appointed Sheikhna Faal as its new national spokesperson to restore disciplined messaging ahead of the next election cycle. Sports Note: GNOC said two Gambian athletes linked to reported Commonwealth Games “absconding” did not return with the delegation as planned.

Gambia–Nigeria Education Funding: The Gambia says it will study Nigeria’s TETFund model, with Higher Education Minister Pierre Gomez leading a delegation to TETFund headquarters in Abuja to set up cooperation as the country prepares its own THET Fund. Election Support and Partnerships: VP Mohammed B.S. Jallow met the EU Ambassador to discuss EU interventions and election support ahead of the presidential vote, with both sides stressing a peaceful, inclusive process. Nationwide Development Push: President Adama Barrow has begun a week-long nationwide tour to launch and lay foundation stones for projects across infrastructure, health and agriculture. Political Parties and Democracy: African leaders urged stronger internal party democracy and credible, inclusive elections, warning that disputes must be handled through proper legal channels. Sports and Local Interest: The GNOC says two Gambian athletes linked to the Commonwealth Games did not return as planned, while the Gambia football federation election committee prepares to publish the final nominations for Aug. 29. Finance Spotlight: Access Bank Gambia was named Euromoney’s “Best Bank in The Gambia” for the third straight year.

Women’s Football: The Bettomax Cup Women’s Tournament kicks off today in Liberia with four top clubs (Determine Girls FC, World Girls FC, Senior Female Professionals, Bushrod Queens FC) battling for a $6,000 grand prize over five days. WAFCON Semifinals: With Nigeria absent and South Africa eliminated, a new WAFCON champion is guaranteed; Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria and Malawi are all in the mix. Education Financing: The Gambia plans to understudy Nigeria’s TETFund by sending officials on a study tour, aiming to strengthen its own THET fund and improve research and capacity development. High-Level Diplomacy: VP Mohammed B.S. Jallow met the EU Ambassador to discuss EU support and election-related cooperation ahead of The Gambia’s presidential vote. Development Tour: President Adama Barrow begins a week-long nationwide tour to launch and lay foundations for projects in infrastructure, health and agriculture. Sports Governance: The Gambia football federation election final candidate list is set for release tomorrow, with three cleared presidential contenders named. Access Bank Award: Access Bank Gambia wins Euromoney’s “Best Bank in The Gambia” for the third straight year. Immigration/Travel: The US says routine visa processing changes won’t close embassies, but Banjul is among posts affected by consolidation into regional visa hubs. Opposition Access Dispute: UDP alleges repeated denial of access to Kairaba Conference Centre, calling it unfair ahead of elections. Gambia Immigration Reform: A report highlights Gambia Immigration’s milestone passing-out parade and the introduction of maternity uniforms for pregnant officers.

Opposition Politics: The Coalition Mediation Committee says it has called for an immediate independent probe into allegations of inducement during opposition talks, after the process ended with Kanifing Mayor Talib Bensouda (Unite) named flag-bearer; the UDP also renewed complaints of unfair access to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. Electoral Football: The Gambia Football Federation election committee will release the final list of candidates tomorrow (Aug 12) for the Aug 29 polls, with three cleared presidential contenders: Sadibou Kamaso, Kemo Ceesay and Musa Jammeh. Security & Sports: GNOC responded to reports of two athletes absconding after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying Lamin Camara and Nyimansata Jawneh did not return as planned. Education Funding: Gambia’s new THET Fund will understudy Nigeria’s TETFund, with officials set for a study tour after a meeting in Abuja. Energy Tariffs Fact-Check: NAWEC says there has been no increase in Cashpower rates, pushing back on viral claims. International Visa Update: The US says routine visa processing in Banjul is being consolidated into regional hubs, without closing the Abuja embassy. Finance & Recognition: Access Bank Gambia wins Euromoney’s “Best Bank in The Gambia” for a third straight year.

Tertiary Education Funding Push: Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education Prof. Pierre Gomez led a delegation to Nigeria’s TETFund in Abuja to set up a study tour for Gambia’s new THET Fund, modelled on TETFund, and to seek support for research and capacity development. Opposition Politics: The Coalition Mediation Committee called for an independent probe into alleged inducements after opposition talks collapsed, while Unite’s Talib Bensouda was confirmed as flag-bearer after other contenders withdrew; NUP leader Lamin J Darbo also insisted his Unite pact is separate from the CMTC process. Government Response to Ferry Claim: The Ministry of Information dismissed claims that First Lady Fatoumata Bah-Barrow blocked Unite leader Ebrima Dibba from boarding a ferry, saying he was allowed to board. Fact-Check: A viral TikTok/Facebook satellite image alleging a Gambian military camp encroached into Senegal was found to be AI-generated and not depicting the real location. Energy Tariff Rumour Denied: NAWEC says there was no increase to Cashpower tariffs, rejecting social media claims that President Barrow ordered higher rates. Visa Processing Update: The US clarified that shifting routine visa processing in Africa to regional hubs won’t close the US Embassy in Abuja and keeps embassy operations running. Health Warning: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria risk into new areas, with Kenya among places expected to see increased transmission.

Opposition politics: The Coalition Mediation Committee talks ended with Kanifing Mayor Talib Bensouda (Unite) named flag-bearer, after contender Essa Faal withdrew hours earlier over alleged inducements and irregularities; the Coalition chairman Prof. Yerro Mballow called for an independent probe and a two-week suspension, but the process still closed controversially. Party positioning: NUP leader Dr Lamin J Darbo insists his NUP–Unite agreement is separate from the CMTC coalition process, even as opposition groups debate how to avoid fragmentation ahead of December polls. Government response: The Ministry of Information denied claims that First Lady Fatoumata Bah-Barrow blocked Unite leader Ebrima Dibba from boarding a ferry to Barra, saying he was allowed to board and no discrimination occurred. Public verification: A fact-check says NAWEC did not increase Cashpower tariffs; PURA lists domestic prepaid at D13.85 per kWh. Justice and rule of law: Commonwealth Lawyers Association urged decorum as the Gambia Bar Association challenges the appointment of new Chief Justice Edi Faal in the Supreme Court. Community and welfare: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers as part of gender-inclusion reforms. International spotlight: Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda is set to receive an African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026 in London.

Immigration & Gender Inclusion: The Gambia Immigration Department has unveiled new maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers, backed by reforms with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The photos went viral, sparking mixed reactions online. Football—Black Stars Coaching Uncertainty: Ghana’s GFA is unlikely to extend Carlos Queiroz’s contract, with reports pointing to unmet demands. Meanwhile, the GFA says it’s still in talks with other coaches as Ghana prepares for 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Local Coaches Under Fire: Veteran coach Bashir Hayford has accused the GFA of disrespecting local coaches, after comments suggesting no Ghanaian coach was deemed competent for the Black Stars technical setup. Player Debate: Databank CEO Kojo Addae-Mensah says Kwasi Sibo is “not good enough” for the Black Stars and should be excluded from the AFCON qualifiers squad. Gambia—Elections: The IEC says it received over 1,600 objections from the 2026 supplementary voter registration, to be handled by revising court magistrates. Gambia—Justice & Courts: A businessman has been found guilty of stealing five containers of ceramic wall tiles valued at D12,075,000. Fact-Check: A viral claim that Yahya Jammeh is returning to The Gambia from Equatorial Guinea has been dismissed as unverified, with no supporting proof found. Regional Travel Policy: Chad announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list of countries easing travel across Africa.

Gambia Football on the Continental Stage: Medina United, champions of The Gambia’s 2025/26 league, have been drawn against Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg in Freetown in early September and the return leg in The Gambia days later. Local Sports Spotlight: Star Sports Academy will host the first leg and travel back for the decisive match, as both clubs aim to make a strong early statement in Africa’s top club competition. Immigration & Gender Inclusion: The Gambia Immigration Department has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers, designed to keep them comfortable and on duty while maintaining professional appearance. Public Service & Faith Leadership: Assemblies of God leadership from Ghana held capacity-building conferences for pastors and leaders in The Gambia, focusing on servant leadership, unity, audacious faith, and the role of prayer. International Recognition: Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda, Gambian High Commissioner to the UK and former ICC Chief Prosecutor, is set to receive the African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026 in London on 21 August. Verified Social Media Claim: A viral claim that Yahya Jammeh plans to return to The Gambia was checked and found to have no supporting proof. Civic Process Update: The IEC says it received over 1,600 objections from the 2026 supplementary voter registration, with cases to be handled by revising courts.

Gambia Politics: The Gambia First Coalition (GFC) says it will sign a memorandum on Friday, 14 August, with four opposition parties and two movements to back the UDP ahead of the December presidential election, as UDP officials say they want a unified approach. Elections & Justice: The IEC reports it received over 1,600 objections to voters registered in the 2026 supplementary exercise, with cases to be handled by revising courts. Courts & Appointments: The Gambia Bar Association is again in the spotlight over the proposed chief justice appointment of Edi MO Faal, with public debate focused on constitutional requirements. Public Safety & Accountability: A court case in The Gambia finds a businessman guilty of stealing five containers of ceramic wall tiles worth D12,075,000. Immigration & Inclusion: Gambia Immigration unveils maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers to improve comfort and support gender inclusion. Fact-Check: A viral claim about Yahya Jammeh’s planned return to The Gambia is rejected for lack of proof. Regional Mobility: Chad announces visa-free entry for all African citizens starting 1 January 2027, joining The Gambia and others. International Recognition: Dr. Fatou Bensouda is set to receive the African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026 in London.

Gambia Politics: The Gambia First Coalition (GFC) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday, 14 August, with four opposition parties and two political movements to back the UDP ahead of the December presidential election, with the UDP saying it wants a unified approach for the difficult period ahead. Voter Registration: The IEC says it received over 1,600 objections to voters registered in the 2026 supplementary exercise, with cases now heading to revising courts after the provisional list was displayed at 730 centres. UK Aid: The UK announced a 31.2% cut to development aid for The Gambia, with the allocation dropping to D190.19m for 2028/29. Gender Inclusion in Security: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, aimed at comfort and inclusion while keeping professional standards. Sports (CAF): Star Sports Academy will face Gambia champions Medina United in the preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with the first leg in Sierra Leone and the return in The Gambia. Aviation/Regional Links: Nigeria hosted a BAGAIA board meeting, reaffirming regional cooperation and aviation safety across West Africa.

Gambia Politics: PPP executives have endorsed President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election, pledging support for the Barrow–NPP alliance. Immigration & Gender Inclusion: Gambia Immigration has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, aiming to improve comfort and promote inclusion while keeping officers on duty. Fact-Check: A viral Facebook claim said former President Yahya Jammeh was returning to The Gambia from Equatorial Guinea, but Malagen found no evidence the itinerary is genuine or that any return is planned. Regional Aviation Safety: Nigeria hosted an extraordinary meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) board, with member states reaffirming commitment to stronger regional aviation safety and investigation capacity. Diaspora/ECOWAS: Gambian diplomat Dr. Omar Touray, outgoing ECOWAS Commission president, met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Abuja as his tenure winds down. Health: A new diarrheal disease vaccine candidate (WRSs2) reported 89% effectiveness in a trial, offering hope for reducing deadly shigellosis.

Gambia Politics: PPP executives have endorsed President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election, pledging support for the Barrow–NPP alliance. Immigration & Gender Inclusion: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, designed to keep them comfortable and on duty while promoting inclusion. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, a Gambian diplomat whose 2022–2026 tenure ends soon. Aviation Safety & Funding: Nigeria’s aviation regulator NCAA is pushing lawmakers to restore its original 65% share of the 5% ticket and cargo charges, warning that funding cuts could weaken oversight; aviation unions are also split on the proposed changes. Sports (Gambia link): CAF Champions League preliminary-round draw sets up Medina United of The Gambia to potentially face Renaissance Berkane in later rounds. Fact-check: A viral claim about Yahya Jammeh’s return to The Gambia was checked and found to have no supporting proof.

Election Watch: PPP executives led by Kebba Jallow have endorsed President Adama Barrow and the NPP-led Alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential polls, pledging support for Barrow’s re-election. Regional Diplomacy: Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Touray met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, with details of talks not disclosed. Aviation Funding Row: Nigeria’s NCAA is demanding restoration of its original 65% share of the 5% ticket sales and cargo charges, warning that any cut could weaken aviation oversight; meanwhile, aviation unions are split over the proposed sharing changes. Gambia-Linked Relief: Qatar Charity says it delivered flood assistance to 1,200 families in The Gambia, including 1,200 food baskets and 1,200 blankets, plus shelter and construction materials. Environment & Livelihoods: A feature highlights how women in the Tanbi Wetland restore mangroves while sustaining crab and fishing livelihoods that protect Banjul’s coastline. Sports (CAF): The CAF Champions League preliminary draw sets Medina United of The Gambia to face Renaissance Berkane’s opponent in the next stage, with other ties also confirmed. Church Visit: Ghana’s Assemblies of God leadership, led by Rev Stephen Wengam, is on a week-long missions visit to The Gambia, including temple dedication and meetings with national leaders.

FIFA/Football Politics: UEFA says a boycott of FIFA president Gianni Infantino may still go ahead even after support shifts, with Gambia Football Federation president Lamin Kaba Bajo publicly praising Infantino’s “courage” and backing him. CAF Champions League Draw: CAF held the preliminary round draw for 2026-2027, setting match-ups including Zamalek vs AS Port and Medina United (Gambia) facing Renaissance Berkane’s qualifier. Migration Pressure: An Afrobarometer report finds 45% of Africans have considered leaving their countries, with The Gambia among the highest at 53%, driven mainly by economic hardship. US Visa Bond Update: The US made a permanent visa bond programme for 30 African countries, including The Gambia, raising the maximum refundable bond to $20,000 for some B-1/B-2 applicants. Flood Relief in The Gambia: Qatar Charity supported 1,200 flood-affected families with QR670,000 in food, blankets, and shelter materials. Local Environment & Livelihoods: A feature highlights how Gambian women around the Tanbi Wetland restore mangroves that protect Banjul and sustain fishing and crab/oyster livelihoods. Sports Inclusion: VP Mohammed B.S. Jallow met the Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre over operational challenges, while separate reports spotlight Africa’s first wheelchair fencing academy in Lagos with participation from Gambia.